Surgical management of ichtyosis-related ectropion. Description of four cases and a literature review

Ichtyosis is an heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by formation of hyperkeratotic, squamous, tile-like scales virtually on the whole body. Depending on the severity and localization of the symptoms, the disease may lead to serious complications including ectropion of the eyelids, which may further lead to ocular disorders, including blindness. The aim of the work was to outline major characteristics of the entity and to focus on surgical methods of ichtyosis-related eyelid ectropion management. Four cases of ichtyosis-related eyelid ectropion, which occurred in patients presenting severe symptoms of the disease treated surgically in the clinic between 2003-2011, were described. In all patients the eyelid contractures were successfully released and relief of conjunctival inflammation was obtained. No postoperative complications occurred. In two patients, a secondary operation was necessary due to skin graft contracture and ectropion recurrence. In some cases, ichtyosis may lead to serious ocular complications. Surgical management of eyelid ectropion is challenging due to the shortage of available lesion-free skin for grafting and due to possible skin graft contracture leading to recurrence.